Learn Somali Language Podcast
by Khadar Osman
In this podcast, we'll dive deep into the Somali language, its rich culture, and traditions. Whether you're an absolute beginner or someone looking to enhance your Somali language skills, this podcast is for you.https://sites.google.com/view/learnsomalilanguage24/home - NEW WEBSITE!!Got Questions? You can reach me at [email protected]😊
Episodes
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Gray Hair, Still in Love
In this episode, we learna beautiful Somali poetic line that was later turned into a song: “Cirrada iyo jacaylkii kala caaganaan jiray, anaa caawa labadaba la cawaysimaayee.” Learn the meaning behind the words, discover how cirro (gray hair) and jacayl (love) come together in the poetry, and...
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Aqal tiir la’aantii - The powerful of unity in Somali wisdom
In this episode, we learn the proverb - Aqal tiir la’aantii kaligii ma taagmo- Haddaynaan is taakulin tabar yeelanmaynee” A house cannot stand without its pillars. If we don’t support each other, then we won’t have strength. Aqal = a house (The house is Guriga) Tiir = Pilar La’aan = Without…
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Time
In this short episode, we reflect on one of Allah’s greatest blessings- time. Many people forgot the value of their free time and health until it’s gone. Through powerful reminder from the Prophet (pbuh), we learn that time is a trust and should be used wisely. We learn may things in this podcast...
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Time in Somali
In this episode, we learn how to talk about time in Somali. days, weeks, months and year. And simple questions like what day is it today? How many weeks in a month? Thank you for listening. Until next time, take care!!
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War nin kuu dhaama raadso - Find someone better
In this episode, we break down a powerful lyric from a song by Farhiya Fiska - well known singer in the Somali community. * Adigaa dhagax tuur bilaabo - You started throwing stones Dhaawacay qalbigaygoo Wounded my heart Dhakhtarkaygii wuxuu yidhi My doctor said War nin kuu dhaama raadso. Find a...
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Farkaliya fool ma dhaqdo - teamwork
In this episode, Farkaliya Fool Ma Dhaqdo highlights the power of unity and cooperation. Through real-life situations and relatable characters, the story shows that no one succeeds alone. Just as one finger cannot wash a face, progress, healing, and success come when people support one another…
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Laga baray, laga badi
This Somali saying, “Laga baray, laga badi” is used when someone who has learned from a mentor or teacher and became even better than them. They have improved the knowledge or the skills they learned. (Aka) the student has surpassed the teacher. Thank you for listening and until next time, take...
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Somali Proverb Explained: “Nin aan talin jirin talo looma dhiibo”
In this episode, we explore the Somali saying “Nin aan talin jirin talo looma dhiibo” and what it teaches us about leadership, experience, and making wise choices, Thank you for listening and until next time, take care!!
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An Arranged Marriage
In this episode, we talk about arranged marriages in the Somali community. The benefits, the risks. Arrange marriages are very common pretty much every corner of the world. The older generations tend to lean towards arranged marriages, the younger generation not so much. Thank you for listening…
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Guur - Marriage in Somali
We discussed Guur—which means marriage in Somali—and walked through the entire process, from when a couple falls in love, to informing their families, the Hormarin (the formal pre-meeting where the groom's side asks for the bride’s hand), the dowry (meher), and finally the nikkah ceremony and...
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2- Must-Know Somali Proverbs
Learn what these Somali proverbs mean “All camels were once two year old” and “One drinks enough water from one’s own palms” mean. Teaching patience, growth and self-reliance. Note: I just realized I mispronounced “Cup” saying Cope 🤣 Free pass for me. Thank you for listening. Until next time…
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Appreciating Little Things
In this episode, I took a different approach. True happiness doesn't come from acquiring wealth, but from appreciating the simple things in life. At LSLP, we don’t just teach you Somali—we also share valuable life lessons to help you grow, find happiness, and become successful. Thank you for...
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Nimaan dhididin ma dhargo - No pain, no gain
In this episode, we explore the Somali saying - Nimaan dhididin ma dhargo - He who does not sweat, does not get full or satisfied. Learn how this phrase reflects Somali values of hard work and perseverance. Thank you for listening. Until next time, take care!!
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Somali Saying - Af jooga looma adeego
In this episode, we learn a Somali saying: "Af Jooga Looma Adeego," which means "He who is present should not expect to be served or spoken for." Essentially, it conveys the message that "No one will do it for you." This saying emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and personal...
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Expressing Emotions in Somali
In this episode, we cover five essential phrases to help you express your emotions in Somali Waan faraxsanahay - I’m happy Aad baan u faraxsanahay - am really happy. Waan murogoonaya - I’m sad Waan xanaaqsanahay - I’m angry Waan ka xumahay - I’m sorry Waan wal-walsanahay - I’m worried Thank...
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Master 5 Must-Know Somali Phrases
In this episode, we learn five useful Somali phrases. Waa caadi meaning it’s alright . Dhib maleh - no problem. Waa shaqadaada - it’s up to you, it’s your job Maxaa kaa galay - why do you care? Yaan lagu maqlin- don’t let anyone heard you. Thank your for listening and until next time, take care!
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Ramadan - 2025
In this special, we explore the meaning the wisdom of Ramadan - a month of fasting, prayer, Qur’an, charity, and reflection - we also learned some words related to Ramadan like Fasting suhur - pre- dawn meal and afur - iftar braking fast. Thank you for listening and til next time, take care!...
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Body Parts in Somali
In this episode, we learn body parts in Somali. Timo - hair Madax - head Indho - eyes Dhago - ears Faro - fingers Wado or qalbi - heart Sanbab- lung Calool - stomach Xubinta Taranka - private part - literally the part that grows population And so on. Thank you for listening, till next time, take...
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Mastering In-Clause in Somali
In this episode, I explain how the in-clause works in Somali. It similar to how it’s used “that” in English. In clause can be used for many things. It could be a helping verb, a clause or it could indicate amount like time or distance. Thank you for listening. Until next time, take care!
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Kartaa vs Kadhaa
In today’s episode, we take a closer look at the difference between Kartaa vs Kadhaa while both words mean “able to do something” or simply can, their pronunciation varies by region. Thank you for listening. Until next time, take care!!
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New Somali Words
Today’s words, Dhibaato - Problem Rajo - Hope Fursad - Opportunity Raaxo - Comfort Barwaaqo - Prosperity Qadrin - Respect Nasiib - fate/luck Thank you for listening until next time, take care!!
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Somali Terms of Endearment
In this episode, we explore a few Somali terms of endearment. Words like Qaali - precious, Qalbi - my heart, macaan or macaanto or macaane - sweetie or sweetheart indho u roon - pleasing to look at or beautiful eyes, quruxey - my beauty, Quruxow - my handsome, and Shan ka roon - five times…
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Cold Weather
In this episode, Ali and Abdi humorously discussed about dealing with cold weather and playing soccer in winter. Tune in for fun phrase and expressions to talk about the cold weather in Somali Thank you for listening. Until next time, take care!!
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Section 1.2 - Plan Your Life
In this section, we learned the meaning of Qorsheyn -planning. Qornseynta New word - Qorsho or Qorshe - Plan Hadaf - goal Hiigsasho - Ambition Nolol - life Sawir - image or photo Thank you for listening until next time. Take care.
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Qorshee Nolashaada - Plan Your Life
We’ve started a book titled - Qorashee Nolashaada - Plan Your Life by Ali Hussein Aden. This book begins with a power saying: Haddii aad ku fashilanto inaad wax qorsheysato, waxaad qorsheysay inaad fashilanto meaning if you fail to plan, you’ve planned to fail. We will go chapter by chapter and…
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Exploring the Somali Poem
In this episode, we explore the Somali poem “Caashaqa iska Ilow "Forget about Lov.e”This beautiful poem talks about the wonders of creation, the natural world, and the constant aspects of human life. We’ll break down the poem’s imagery, including the sky, rivers, seas, and mountains, and discuss...
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Somali Vocab
To recap, we learned the following words today: Kalsooni – Confidence Hogaamin – Leadership Karti – Ability Isqadarin – Self-respect Tayo – Quality Cadaalad – Fairness Soo jiidasho – Attractive Thank your for listening. Until next time, take care!!
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Raaliya nin helay raga lama sinee
In this episode, we delve into the phrase "Raaliya nin helay raga lama sinee," exploring its cultural significance and linguistic nuances. A man who has found a wife who is caring and understanding, easily satisfied, and submissive in a good way, is not like other men. “Let’s Not not forget that…
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Infinitive Case - Keenid - to bring
In today's episode, I'll introduce you to five new verbs with their infinitive meanings ("to + verb"): Keenid - to bring or bringing Buugaas keen - bring that Cunid - to eat or eating Wax maad cuntay wali? - Have you eaten yet?Akhrin - to read Maxaad arkinaysaa? - What are you reading?Akhri…
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Somali Present Tense
In today's episode, we delve into Somali present tense grammar. It's essential for daily conversation, expressing current actions, habits, and truths. Verbs are conjugated with prefixes and suffixes based on singular/plural subjects (1st/2nd/3rd person). For instance, "I eat rice everyday is…
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Words from the previous episode
In this episode, I recap words from our previous episode like "Koob," meaning both a cup and an award. "Boob" for looting, "Roob" for rain, "Goob" for a place, "Gob" for remarkable, nice and "Gun" for undesirable, bad. If someone say hebel waa gob - it means so and so is good/ generous person…
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Somali Rap
The rapper = Sharmake (aka Sharma Boy) Sharmake in somali means one who does not see evil. Rap Somali waxaan ka wataa koob—I hold an award in Somali rap Kuma korin boob—I wasn't raised through bribery or theft Nolashayda top—My life is at its peak Waxa soo da’ay roob—Rain has poured down Waxaan...
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Somali Poem - We all need a little motivation
Adoo dhaxal reebi kara Ha noqon dhinte aan latabin Ha noqon ruux dhinac ka raran Dhagtaadu yay noqon mid dhagaysata kali xumaan, Dharaartay kugu xuntahay, Waynaha sacabada u dhigo Ilmada dhabanada ka tiro Dhabarka murugada u rido Dhaxdana himilada u xidho Fulow guul waa dhowdahee Rajadu yay kaa...
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Somali Phrases
Useful phrases: Beri waa isniin Tomorrow is Monday Shalay waxay aheyd Axad Yesterday was Sunday Beri iskuul baan tagayaa or tagi doonaa insha Allah I’m going to school tomorrow God-willing Maxaad samayn rabtaa? What are you going to do? Waxaan cuni rabaa cunto or just cuno I’m going to eat food...
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Somali Accents
In this podcast episode, we cover key Somali phrases and examine the variety of Somali accents. We also discussed the differences in accents between the north's Somaliland and Puntland and the south's Mogadishu and Kismayo. Maxaad qabanaysaa or maxaad samaynaysaa, which means "what are you…
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Household items
This episode delves into Somali household items: "Miis" (table), "Kursi" (chair), "Shawlad" (stove), "Daah" (curtain), and "Talaajad" (fridge). Each item holds cultural and practical significance, from gathering around the table to preserving food in the fridge
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Somali Proverbs/Sayings
In this episode, we embarked on a journey through Somali culture, exploring its wisdom through a collection of insightful proverbs. We began by acknowledging the significant role of women in shaping success, highlighting the proverb "Rag haween ayaa kala hor mariya," which emphasizes the…
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Past Tense in Somali
The Somali language has just one past tense, however the English language has three: past tense (sang), present perfect (has sung), and past perfect (had sung). Verb conjugations exist. Simply add the word "ay" to the subject if it is He or I. For example, Isagu wuu arkay walaalkiis means he saw...
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WhatsApp Group Chat
I have created a WhatsApp Group Chat for us so that we can connect and share our insights and ideas. To join simply click this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/CoCsOH26Y38I0E25HGsfId Thank you for listening!
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Three new phrases
1. Ma fahmin (I don’t understand you) I didn’t understand you. Maxaad ka wadaa? Meaning what do you mean? I understand you. I got it! Any questions or feedback would be appreciated!
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Waryaa and Naayaa
The words "hey" are Waryaa and Naayaa. Though they all mean “hey” you should practice with caution in some situations. You don’t wanna say “naaya” to a Somali lady and get slapped 🤣. For some Somali women, the word "naaya" is offensive. Although it's quite normal in some parts of Somalia,...
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Directional terms in Somali
Kor - Meaning up/on. Hoos - Down (also shadow). Midig - Right. Bidix - Left. Understanding these terms will certainly come in handy when navigating through conversations that involve giving or receiving directions." If you mistakes, don’t worry. I kinda mixed them up as well. I literally made…
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Taalo Vs Joogto
You might have heard someone asking you, "Hooya ma joogtaa?" is mom there? How do you respond without getting stuck? Hooyo ma joogtaa? or Hooyadaa ma joogtaa? "is your mom there? if she isn't there just say, "Hooyo ma joogto" instead of saying "Hooyo ma taalo". Taalo or taalaa or yaalaa is used…
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Has Love Been Blood-Written?
Singer: Magool Written by Hadraawi Has love been blood-written? (Jacayl Dhiig ma lagu Qoray) Has love been blood-written has marrow yet been poured for it a person peeled the skin from their back or ribs has expression of this been offered in flesh cut from the cheeks has blood been extracted its...
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Has Love Ever Been Blood-Written
Has Love Ever Been Blood-Written by Hadraawi? As you may have heard, Hadraawi died a few months ago. May Allah have mercy on him. Hadraawi is the Somali Shakespeare. He has composed thousands of songs and poems that have been liked and admired by Somalis and non-somalis all over the world. He...
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5 Ways Of Saying I Don't Know in Somali
It's a short yet an interesting episode today. I teach you how to say I don't know in Somali in various ways. It's the way people from different parts of Somalia say it, enabling you to say it with confidence wherever you're without fearing if they will understand you or not. Use these phrases to...
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Somali Song
We (Somalis) are well recognized for our love for poetry, as you surely already know. And this poem is a typical example of how poetry are turned into songs. Hadraawi, a well-known figure among Somalis, is credited with writing this song. This song is about a woman who wants to convince a man she...
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What to Say to Favors You're unable to Fulfill
We all know that there are a lot of individuals who are constantly asking for favors, and sometimes you can't accommodate everyone. In today's episode , I'm going to teach you several polite ways to politely tell people you can't fulfill their favors in Somali. 1): Waan ka xumahay (Humahay): I'm...
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I AM SOMALI
Since the poet uses words that are highly appropriate and hardly ever utilized by everyday people, it would be difficult to interpret word for word. Thus, translating the stanzas: lines of the poem as a whole rather than word by word would be simple.
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Somali Vocab
Dayax = Moon Cadceed/ Qorax = Sun Geed = tree geedo = trees Dab or Naar = Fire though “naar” is an arabic word, however, we still use it Biyo = Water Flower = Ubax ubaxyo = flowers Dhagax = Stone Dhaxagaan/ Dhagaxyaal = Stones Nin = a man niman = men or rag = men Hawenay = a woman Haween = women…
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Topics in this show
About this show
In this podcast, we'll dive deep into the Somali language, its rich culture, and traditions. Whether you're an absolute beginner or someone looking to enhance your Somali language skills, this podcast is for you.https://sites.google.com/view/learnsomalilanguage24/home - NEW WEBSITE!!Got Questions? You can reach me at [email protected]😊
Hosted by
Khadar Osman